ActionAid launches campaign to amplify voices of mining communities
Ghana’s minerals extractive sector is making fortunes, but in many mining communities, it is leaving behind a different story: broken livelihoods, environmental damage, and communities demanding their fair share.
ActionAid Ghana has initiated a 24-month campaign called Uplifting the Voices of Mining Communities (VOICES) to empower mining-affected communities in Ghana. This project, funded by Comic Relief, will focus on strengthening citizen participation in decisions regarding land, livelihoods, the environment, and natural resources. The initiative aims to create platforms for dialogue between communities, duty bearers, and other stakeholders, thereby promoting accountability and sustainable benefits from Ghana's extractive sector.
ActionAid Ghana Country Director, John Nkaw, highlighted that the project will enhance citizen awareness and participation in mineral governance, support community-based monitoring, and generate evidence for constructive engagement. The initiative will train 80 women and youth representatives in various aspects, including extractive-sector governance, climate-resilient livelihoods, advocacy, campaigning, and artistic activism.
Additionally, four community-based monitoring committees will be established to equip community members and journalists to document environmental, social, labor, and human rights concerns in mining areas.
Dr Steve Manteaw, Co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), emphasized the importance of transparency in mining revenues and the benefits allocated for community development. He urged communities to demand answers and strive for a fairer share of the benefits from mining activities. ActionAid believes that this project will build community agency, promote collective action, generate evidence, and support advocacy for greater accountability in the extractive sector.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
